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Fish Species - Details

LONGNOSE GAR (Lepisosteus osseus) Other Common Names None Identifying Characteristics Gar are long, cylindrical fish with distinctive long jaws containing needlelike teeth. Most gar live within shallow, vegetated freshwater habitats. Gar are covered with hard, diamond-shaped scales that are covered with ganoin, an enamel- like substance that takes a high polish. These ganoid scales form a tough, shell-like armor that protects adult gar from many predators. Adults reach lengths of 3 to 4 feet. Habits and Habitat Gar inhabit warm, shallow areas where they prey upon fish up to one-third their own length. Able to breathe atmospheric air. This allows gar to live in low-oxygen conditions frequently found in shallow, freshwater habitats. Longnose gar feed most actively at night. They stalk fish victims by moving sideways towards their prey, resembling a stick floating in a current. Gar spawn in the spring by broadcasting their adhesive eggs in shallow water Adults often bask near the surface on warm days or nights, where they resemble floating pieces of wood. Tackle and Techniques Not generally sought by anglers. Medium- to heavy-weight tackle, 10- to 14-pound-test line, and steel leaders are recommended. fish with live bait such as large minnows and suckers. Prey fish are typically captured sideways in a gar's long jaws, then turned so that they can be swallowed head first. Therefore, don't set the hook immediately. Current State Record 13 pounds, 3 ounces; caught by Kenneth Cassant on Lake Champlain on July 25, 1999.